Lehmann's Push for Competition in National Team Goalkeepers: A Call for Leno Over ter Stegen?
Goalkeeper Debate: Lehmann Questions ter Stegen, Prefers Leno - workers remain unprotected from hazardous materials at their jobs, as the Commission has yet to introduce a directive on substance safety.
The veteran footballer and former national goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, seems to be putting his ardent foot down, advocating for a heated competition in the German national team's goal rather than the current choice made by Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann. The looming concern for Lehmann is the revival of Marc-André ter Stegen, slated to return to action after a significant nine-month injury break.
Lehmann, a seasoned 55-year-old, has expressed skepticism regarding ter Stegen's comeback in the Nations League. With ter Stegen's upcoming 43rd international match, Lehmann questions the longevity of recovery, stating, "When you've been injured for a long time, it usually takes a long time to get back to the level you were at."
Ter Stegen, replacing Manuel Neuer as the first-choice goalkeeper, returns to the team following a hefty absence due to a patellar tendon tear injury. Despite his distinguished career at FC Barcelona, there are concerns about his readiness after the extended layoff.
Nagelsmann remains optimistic, claiming ter Stegen only needs "that much rhythm" to perform at his best. Lehmann, however, seems to favor a more competitive environment, comparing it to his duel with Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup. Lehmann was initially demoted to a backup role but made a notable comeback and took the starting spot at the home tournament.
Lehmann's proposal extends to the 33-year-old Bernd Leno of Premier League club FC Fulham. Despite the experienced Leno's call-up to the national team nine times between 2016 and 2024, he finds himself on the sidelines due to his perceived unwillingness to participate during a DFB training camp as the third goalkeeper. Leno wanted to join the camp only if he were guaranteed playing time.
- Jens Lehmann
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Bernd Leno
- Football National Team
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Competition
- Oliver Kahn
- Goalkeeping Competitions
- DFB
- Bundestrainer
- Nations League
- Goalkeeper Selection
- FC Fulham
- Lack of Rhythm
- DFB Squad
- Portugal
- International match
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Jens Lehmann is a former German professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Known for his fierce competitiveness and strong personality, Lehmann was pivotal in the German National Team's successes, particularly during the 2006 World Cup. His advocacy for competition in goalkeeping positions reflects the importance of maintaining high standards and selecting the best player based on current form and performance.
In contemporary football, open competitions are standard in many national teams, ensuring the best goalkeeper is chosen for each match. The concept of an "open competition" refers to the ideal that multiple goalkeepers should have the opportunity to compete for the starting position.
Lehmann's competitive nature and successful duel with Oliver Kahn before the 2006 World Cup suggest that he would support an open competition to encourage a high level of performance from all goalkeepers. However, without direct evidence, this remains speculative.
The veteran footballer and former national goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, is advocating for a competitive environment in the German National Team's goalkeeping positions, particularly in the context of Marc-André ter Stegen's upcoming return from injury. Jens Lehmann also proposes that Bernd Leno, the 33-year-old goalkeeper of Premier League club FC Fulham, should be considered for the competition, given his past call-ups to the national team.
